Trapster attack affects Android users; HTC sales soared in 2010

More security threats

Trapster, the popular speed trap alert app, may have inadvertently given up millions of email addresses and passwords, after being hacked earlier this week. The California-based Trapster sent alerts to all registered users, explaining that it’s likely their accounts have been compromised, affecting Android (GOOG), iPhone (AAPL) and BlackBerry (RIMM) users.

It’s a security issue that’s realizing the fears of many mobile users, which have been heightened this week in particular, as we learn of Trojan malware being researched for Android devices in particular.

Manufacturers’ interests

While mobile apps are dealing with security issues, mobile devices themselves continue to get upgraded. Remember the Sidekick? It’s making a comeback, this time as an Android device. Its new name is Sidekick 4G, a T-Mobile (DTEGY.PK) phone through and through. No word on its official launch date, but it’s expected in the first half of 2011.

And HTC (2498.TW) is doing well with its Android devices, reporting high earnings for Q4 2010. The mobile phone manufacturer took in a net profit of $500 million, a 160% jump from a year prior. HTC saw strong growth throughout 2010, in large part due to its range of Android devices sold across a number of wireless service providers. The HTC Evo, the company’s first 4G phone, played its part in HTC’s yearly success at well.